Course Summary:
The Commis Chef plays a key supporting role in the kitchen, helping deliver high‑quality dishes by preparing, cooking, and presenting a wide range of food items. They rotate through various sections of the kitchen, gaining hands‑on experience and building a solid foundation in all areas of culinary operations.
Working as part of a kitchen brigade, Commis Chefs contribute to maintaining the standards of every dish produced. They follow brand, organisational, and regulatory requirements, including completing essential food safety management documentation. Their responsibilities also include receiving and checking deliveries, storing ingredients correctly, and monitoring stock levels to support smooth kitchen operations.
Commis Chefs often work outside traditional hours, which may include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and public holidays to meet the demands of a busy kitchen.
They are also responsible for upholding exceptional standards of personal hygiene, food hygiene, and kitchen cleanliness within their designated section.
Approx. duration: 12 months
Start Date: September
Attendance: One day a week at the Ipswich Campus
Entry requirements:
- Individual employers will set their selection criteria for applicants
- Apprentices need to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours a week and have a contract of employment
- Entry into the Apprenticeship is subject to a thorough skills scan assessment to clarify course suitability
- Entry onto the Apprenticeship is subject to 4 GCSEs grades 9-1/A-G including Maths and English or Functional Skills Level 1
- Apprentices aged 16-18 years are subject to the mandatory requirement to study towards and achieve English and Maths Functional Skills at Level 2 where the Apprentice only holds the level 1 qualifications (GCSE grades D-G/3-1)
- Following the updated ESFA Apprenticeship rules, from 11th February 2025. Apprentices who begin their apprenticeship training when aged 19+ will no longer be subject to this mandatory requirement. It is now the decision of the apprentice and their employer at the start of their apprenticeship to choose to study towards a Maths and English qualification
On-programme learning:
- Commis Chef Standard
- English and Maths (if required) Level 2
Progression:
On completion of this apprenticeship a Commis Chef can progress onto various roles within the industry which include a Senior Production Chef, Chef de Partie or Pastry Chef